By Njabulo Nkosi

It is a sobering thought to know that you will have all the cash you need at the right time you need it. However, there are times that people require the equity they need for something they need to purchase. They may secure the money they need by stealing the money or borrowing it. This is where the securing of loans comes in.

A loan is a type of debt. It is the extension of money from a lender to a borrower with an agreement that the money will be repaid. Many loans are made at interest, meaning that borrowers pay a certain percentage of the original amount to the lender as compensation for borrowing. Most loans have a maturity date (deadline) by which time the borrower must have repaid the loan.

There are various types of loans including: secured, subsidised, unsubsidised, mortgage loanand an unsecured loan. A secured loan is one where an asset is pledged (like a car or expensive piece of jewellery) as collateral for the loan. A subsidised loan is a loan that will not gain interest before the maturity date. An unsubsidised loan gains interest on the maturity date. A mortgage loan is used to buy property. The lender borrows money from a bank to buy the property, and the bank keeps the title deeds to the property until the loan is paid back in full. If the lender defaults on the loan, the bank has full legal right to repossess and sell the house to recover the sum owing. Unsecured loans do not require collateral to secure. Example of these are credit card debt, personal loans and bank overdrafts.

There are many reasons people seek loans. These range from securing a loan to pay for ones studies, money to buy a house, pay a medical bills, start up or expand a business or to purchase something for leisure.

There are many sources from which a student may obtain a loan. Banks are a major source of personal, student and mortgage loans. The most well known banks in Grahamstown are Standard Bank, First National Bank, ABSA and Capitec Bank. There are also institutions that specialise in personal loans. Another source is your own family. “I am afraid of these loan firms around Grahamstown,” mentions Peter Wrench, a third year Computer Science student. “These firms could be loan sharks who charge high interest rates,” comments Wrench. “I prefer loans from my parents as they are interest free.”

Personal loans are advantageous because they need no collateral, have fixed interest rates and are able to be acquired very quickly; mortgage bonds allow for the purchase of a house without having to have to pay a large sum of money upfront; student loans allow students, without other means, to finance their degree-the loans are low on interest rates and the interest rates are tax deductable.

Lee Morgan, a Minnesota University graduate notes that loans “have significant disadvantages to go along with their advantages.” Personal loans disadvantages are that they have high interest rates and various hidden costs; mortgage loans allow the bank to repossess your house if you default on the payment; student loans must be paid back after the completion of your degree.

By Elna Schutz

A Christian group in Bloemfontein has accused RAMfest of Satanism, forcing the much loved music festival to change venue.

An Afrikaans email has circulated among Christians and on the internet, claiming that Satan is using popular music and television to influence the youth.  The writers of the email express the belief that RAMfest is a vehicle for this, saying that the festival is being organized by Satanists and the Illuminati. They base this partly on the belief that the festival’s logo contains occult symbols. The email calls for prayers, and protest against the festival.

The pressure caused by the email has forced RAMfest organisers to move the March festivities from the the University of Bloemfontein campus to a much smaller, private venue. This move has caused outrage on the internet, since festival goers are worried there won’t be enough space.

RAMmfest project manager Dawid Fourie admits in an interview to Mahala that, “they have caused quite a lot of trouble for us in Bloem.” Fourie stays relaxed about the issue though, saying, “so be it, that’s rock ‘n roll.”

RAMfest 2012 is scheduled to visit five cities, including Port Elizabeth,with lots of national and international acts set to entertain the crowds and overshadow the tension caused by the email.

By Sibulele Mabusela

While many were celebrating the month of love, even more so Valentine’s Day on the 14^th of February, University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) students took to the streets during a week-long protest in demand for additional financial funding as well as inadequate residential facilities.

The students began the strike last week Friday, but it was only on Tuesday that the conflict became violent, leading to four students’ subsequent arrest for public violence and an interdict prohibiting any form of protest on the campus.

The interdict was, however, ignored with students returning to the campus to protest.

According to IOL “Students went on a rampage after they were told about a court interdict against the campus protests for more funding and student housing”.

This resulted in numerous students being arrested including the Universities SRC president Lucky Nzama who was allegedly arrested for assault.

The demands of the SRC included financial funding for 1000 more students as well as that another building be leased for students.

In the interim some parents have set allegations that the strikers were inciting racial tensions and are concerned for their children’s welfare. Officials are investigating this as concerns were raised after threats were allegedly made on Facebook towards Indian and White students.

According to The TimesLive classes had been suspended and would resume only once calm was restored.

By Sibulele Mabusela

The controversial Protection of Information Bill, (also known as the Secrecy Bill) has been passed this Tuesday by the National Assembly despite nationwide protests and opposition that claimed the bill was “unconstitutional”.

The National Assembly passed the Bill after the subject was put to a vote and adopted by the majority who won the ballot by 229 votes in favour of the Bill to 107 in opposition to it in the house of 400 seats.

According to News24, all opposition parties present voted against the Bill while the ANC used its majority to pass it.

While the Bill still needs to be permitted by the National Council of Provinces in 2012, opposition parties and media organisations vow to take the matter to the Constitutional Court to appeal the Bill being passed into law.

The Protection of Information Bill, was originally introduced in October 2008 and has been revised since then, it is a legislation that was presented to protect state secrets, as well as classified and/or sensitive information from loss or unlawful disclosure, and was proposed as a mean to stop “reckless journalists” from publishing state secrets, the Bill offers up to 25 years in jail for journalists who do not adhere to it.

Witnesses claim to have seen the victim and suspect at a local tavern the night before the body was discovered.

By Niamh Walsh-Vorster

A woman, aged 19, was discovered dead in the Grahamstown area on Sunday morning by neighbours.

Police suspect the death was a result of being stabbed by the landlord of the Grahamstown home, a 37 year old man.   After which he allegedly set his couch alight and left the body on a bed, according to spokesperson and police captain Mali Govender.

The victim’s autopsy results are still being waited upon to determine actual cause of death.

Witnesses have reported that the two were at one of the local taverns in Transit Camp informal settlement. They returned to the man’s house and witnesses state they could hear the victim crying.

A search for the woman’s alleged murderer is in process. No arrests have yet been reported.

By Marc Davies

ANC Youth League President Julius Malema has been suspended from the ANC and removed as youth league party president after being found guilty of “sowing divisions” within the ruling party. Malema has 14 days in which to appeal the ruling, following which he will be forced to step down.

Addressing reporters at the ANC’s Luthuli House in Johannesburg, Derek Hanekom, chairperson of the National Disciplinary Committee, said Malema’s comments on ‘regime change’ in Botswana were “reckless” and brought the ANC into disrepute. He further said that “discipline is non-negotiable and must be enforced”. The controversial youth leader was brought to task on several charges, including criticising President Zuma at another ANC disciplinary hearing last year.

Malema’s right-hand man and spokesperson for the Youth League, Floyd Shivambu, was also suspended on charges of swearing at a journalist and accusing the ruling body of associating with imperialists. Hanekom described Shivambu as arrogant, ill-disciplined and defiant and enforced a suspension of three years.

ANCYL Deputy President Ronald Lamola, secretary general Sindiso Magaqa, deputy secretary general Kenetswe Mosenogi and treasurer Pule Mabe were also suspended for interrupting a meeting of national ANC officials last year.

Following the news of Malema’s five-year suspension, South African stocks gained on the market in addition to an immediate slight strengthening of the Rand. Previous comments on nationalisation and land expropriation without compensation have negatively affected markets in recent months, analysts say.

Malema was found not guilty on charges of inciting hatred and racism in the country. Despite this, his suspension from the ANC has been labelled a possible “backlash” for Zuma’s 2012 succession battle by political analysts. According to Fin24, Anne Fruhauf – Eurasia Group analyst – said that the ruling doesn’t “directly tackle the nationalisation issue” but that it may have muted the debate significantly because the most vocal proponent has been “cut down to size”.

Malema was writing a university examination on Thursday morning and was unavailable for immediate comment.

By Amber Leigh Davies

You can no longer deny that that it is exam time. You have your coffee on one side and a book in front, or at least you should. You are finally seated at your desk and ready to work but something is missing…where did the music go? It’s crack down on noise hours so everyone is tiptoeing around and even that person on the second floor that normally keeps his or her music blaring is silent. It’s time to plug in your earphones and get some music pumping. Finals are never fun but having your favourite song playing might get you through it a lot easier. Here is a playlist put together by fellow Rhodents that will get you through those long, dark nights staring at that textbook you didn’t look at all year:

1. Bright Eyes (Dubstep Remix)

2. Survivor – Eye of the Tiger

3. Lonely Day- System of a Down

4. Sitting, Waiting, Wishing- Jack Johnson

5. Four Seasons- Vivaldi

6. Our time is running out- Muse

7. I’m not okay- My Chemical Romance

8. Headstrong- Trapt

9. Lessons Learned- Carrie Underwood

10. Year 3000 – Busted

1) Bright Eyes – No one would riot for less (Dubstep Remix)

Suggested by Ashlee Wilson, BJourn 1

Yes that’s right. Looks as though Dubstep isn’t just getting you in the mood to race to Monastery anymore. Soft Dubstep just “gets you in the zone” says Anisha Lutchman 2nd year BJourn. If you’re looking for that song that relaxes you but keeps you in your chair long enough to absorb something then this is the one for you.

2) Survivor – Eye of the Tiger

Suggested by Cindy Obath, BSC 2.

It’s one of your all-time favourites so chances are you already have it in your media library. If you’re looking for a song to inspire you to actually do something with your life then this is the one. It’s guaranteed to get you climbing that mountain of work in front of you within seconds of hearing it.

3) Lonely Day – System of a Down.

Suggested by Tom Nicholson, BSC 1.

Don’t Panic. Yes, you read correctly, it’s system of a down. But this song isn’t your typical System song, with screams of protest and guitar solos. It’s very soft and definitely worthy of a study playlist – It’s practically made for those lonely study sessions.

4) Sitting, Waiting, Wishing- Jack Johnson

Suggested by Allison Martin, BSC 2.

Jack Johnson in general has the perfect relaxed atmosphere for your study purposes. This is one of his most famous songs, so you will probably recognise it and feel comfortable having it carry you through these exams.

5) Four Seasons- Vivaldi

Suggested By Megan Lyle, BA1.

Here we go, the suggestion you were all waiting for but didn’t recall want to hear, the classical styling of violinist and composer, Vivaldi. Don’t make assumptions, classical could work for you this November. And who knows, maybe it will be a nice change from all the Dubstep.

6) Our time is running out- Muse

Suggested by Kendal Devy, BSC1.

This band isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but give them a go – it might just get you ready to ace these exams in record time.

7) I’m not okay- My Chemical Romance –

Suggested by Adrian Miles, BSC 1.

This is just one of those songs best suited to your attitude about having to study. One of those tracks that ends up playing at 11PM the day before your exam because that’s just the way the world is.

Headstrong- Trapt

Suggested by Kiera- Marie Loughrey, BSC1.

This is another song to get you amped to get some studying done. Its applicable to the situation, so go for it, It made the list for a reason.

9) Lessons Learned- Carrie Underwood

Suggested by Pamela Duncan, BSC1.

This is for those of you who are less into the alternative scene. Hopefully, the title lives up to your lifestyle!

10) Year 3000- Busted

Suggested by Tyler Hillary, BSC1.

A fun song we all remember to help with you cope with the stress of it all.

Other people might what to enjoy the silence or listen to some soft tones…If you are one of these people then you are not alone.

Hershal Thaker, Pharmacy 4

“I study in library [I] don’t listen to music”.

If you like your music then here is to hoping that this list gets you through the upcoming exams and of course, Good Luck!

By Carissa Govender

Whether you have already begun studying or are planning to cram the night before, stress and anxiety are likely to occur at some stage. With that comes the temptation to resort to energy boosting drinks and supplements, despite the adverse effects they might have. 

Quick-fix drinks and supplements such as Red Bull, Monster, Play or Stay Awake may give a temporary extra boost, but has long term consequences.

“It’s not a good idea because some students simply take too much,” says Carmen Fantelas, a pharmacist at Grahamstown Pharmacy. The high amounts of caffeine in these energy boosters result in feeling jittery, suffering from insomnia and eventually causes increased feelings of anxiety.

The high sugar content may be energy boosting, but will result in a counter-productive energy slump soon after. “In addition to taking supplements, students need to sleep, but instead they just want to keep awake. We try to explain this but at the end of the day, we cannot refuse the customer,” Fantelas adds.

There are ways of combating exam stress and fatigue that don’t cause damage.

“Get a lot of magnesium, which is a muscle relaxer, eat goji berries, increase your protein and drink herbal teas,” suggests Louise Kruger, manager of The Mustard Seed, Peppergrove Mall’s resident health shop. She also suggests increasing your intake of omega 3, which can be found in oily fish, eggs and herbal supplements. “Start increasing your intake of omega 3 before the stress of exams, not when you’re already stressed,” Kruger advises. Other herbal supplements to consider include Bio-Strath and Stress Away which can both be found in pharmacies and health stores.

One of the most cost effective solutions to dealing with stress is physical exercise. While some may baulk at the idea of hitting the gym, it’s worthwhile to consider taking a walk with a friend, practicing yoga or jogging. Exercise releases tension and promotes general well-being, which can help you sleep better, concentrate more and study effectively.

The best time to exercise depends on you and your body, as long as the exercise time remains consistent. If you battle to make exercise a habit, choose to do it early in the morning before other distractions take up time and put you off exercising.

Some students, however, fall into the trap of exercising more during exam time – possibly as a form of procrastination. The gym becomes quite a popular place during swot week, according to Jess Jooste, a third-year Human Kinetics and Ergonomics student. This sudden increase in physical activity could lead to more anxiety when it comes time to actually sit down and study.

“Unfortunately, people only come in when they are already sick and forced to make lifestyle changes,” says Kruger of students’ choices to use natural supplements. The benefits of eating well and exercising can only be felt when it is a lifestyle change and not a last minute reaction to exam stress.

By Caitlin Stobie

We all have that friend who thinks they can play guitar. You know the type – the one who plays “Smoke on the Water” every single time you visit, or strums “Wonderwall” drunkenly at parties and is genuinely surprised when he still goes home alone. With the launch of a new student society, however, these types should be able to get some proper training. 

GuitarSoc, lead by president George Karamitsos, has been approved by the university and will begin running next year. It’s a wish come true for Karamitsos, a third-year BComm student, who had been contemplating the idea of a society for guitarists since his first year. He felt that there was no other society that really catered for those who play stringed instruments.
“GutiarSoc aims to provide a platform on which guitar and bass enthusiasts in the university can share knowledge and enjoy each other’s play styles,” Karamitsos said.

There were some concerns before the society was approved that it would be too similar to Live Music Society (LMS). However, LMS president Tammy Dickson feels that GuitarSoc is needed at Rhodes, and that the two societies will not clash.

“LMS has tried to create a database for musicians and has come up with many cool ideas for workshops and that type of thing, but we just don’t have the time to follow through on small projects like that,” Dickson said. She also stated that LMS would like to start collaborations with GuitarSoc as soon as first term next year.

GuitarSoc promises to be very similar to African DrumSoc – except, obviously, minus the percussion. There will be large and small scale jam sessions every fortnight, grouped according to genre preference. The committee plans for its more advanced members to give advice and lessons to beginner guitarists. The society also aims to organise workshops with advanced guitarists or bass players – for example, if a band visits Grahamstown, then GuitarSoc will try to organise a workshop with their guitarist that can be attended by society members.

With these exciting things to look forward to, 2012 could be the year anyone with a guitar can really learn how to strum.

By Hancu Louw

Press Ombusman Joe Thloloe announced, October, the formation of a new press code in an attempt to promote higher standards of journalism and self regulation in the media. 

The new code is aimed at regulating reporting on matters of dignity, privacy the anonymity of sources as well as the role of public interest. According to the Mail & Guardian, the South African press ombudsman Joe Thloloe said, “We believe if we implement the new code, we will help improve journalism in the country.” Thloloe also acknowledged the increase in bad reporting in the local press but insisted that such cases are isolated. Deputy ombud, John Retief, suggested that the revision of the code was carried out by the Press Council in order to prove the media’s ability to self-regulate and hence implied the Council’s rebuttal of a Media Appeals Tribunal.

The ANC, in 2011, has vocalised its discontent with the media, accusing print publications of functioning in opposition to the government rather than as an independent voice. However, according to News24, Thloloe recently stated at a debate at the University of Pretoria that “the ANC has got the print media in its sights because it is the one section of the media not under its control.” At a recent South African National Editor’s Forum (Sanef) council meeting, Thloloe also reported that 64% off all findings by the press ombud have ruled not in favour of the press.

The revised press code includes an overarching ban on plagiarism and reporting on children under the age of 18 years without the consent of a parent or guardian. The clause on privacy includes a section banning the publication of any individuals’ HIV/Aids status without consent. Matters of personal dignity have also been revised with the clause on privacy reading, “the press shall exercise exceptional care and consideration in matters involving dignity and reputation, bearing in mind that any right to privacy may be overridden only by a legitimate public interest.”

The new press code, which applies across various press platforms, came into effect on 15 October 2011.